Firearm monitoring device and system

ABSTRACT

A device and system for firearm tracking capable of tracking firearm location and status while limiting un-authorized use of a firearm. The device featuring a housing that is compatible with a firearm magazine-well wherein once secured to a firearm the device may not be disassociated therefrom rendering the firearm non-functional.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device and a system for firearmtracking and in particular, to such a device and system tracking firearmlocation and status while limiting un-authorized use of a firearm.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Gun control, firearm safety, distribution and control is an importantsocial issue that remains unsolved and is a heavily debated in bothsocial and government circles.

In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of accidental,negligent or unauthorized use of firearms, particularly handguns in thedomestic environment. Such incidents typically occur when the firearm isused in child's play or when such firearms are stolen.

Firearm theft and lack of control is a problem for society at large andlocal communities, however, such a problem is even more pronounced inthe private security sector as well as the public armed forces sector,including the police and the armed forces.

Individual safety within society is based on society's ability tocontrol movement of its firearms at all levels personal as well asprofessional. To date a comprehensive solution for firearm tracking andcontrol has not been offered and for which a need remains outstanding.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is an unmet need for, and it would be highly useful to have adevice and system for firearm monitoring and tracking so as to controluse of firearms within society.

It would, therefore, be advantageous to provide device and system forfirearm control and safety so as to monitor both a firearms location andstatus of use, such that it would be possible to simultaneously identifythe firearm's location while preventing unauthorized use and/ormovement.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a system that may beutilized to actively and remotely monitor an arsenal of firearms thatbelongs to large security and safety organizations such as the policeforce, army or security companies. Such security organizations, publicor private, are responsible for a large weaponry arsenal and includemany persons that carry a firearm. Accordingly the system and device ofthe present invention provide a monitoring system that may furthermonitor the individuals forming the armed forces while remotely closelycontrolling the firearms arsenal.

Embodiments of the system of the present invention may further beutilized by public safety sector to control and/or monitor gun use inthe private and/or public sector where both use and access to firearm isa societal safety need. For example any individual wishing to obtain afirearm license must prescribe to a public security monitoring agencythat is in communication with a remote processing and communicationdevice that actively monitors location and use of the firearm, so as toprovide a form of gun control.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a firearm control device inthe form of a firearm magazine that is configured to securely andirreversibly associate with the firearm unless the rightful owner is inpossession of the firearm. Accordingly, the device in the form of amagazine according to embodiments of the present invention is configuredto remain associated with the firearm therein disabling use of thefirearm by any individual other than the rightful owner.

In embodiments the device further comprises an active geographicallocation tracking module that may be utilized within a system accordingto the present invention. When in use within a system, the device may beutilized to actively monitor the location and status of the device.

In embodiments the safety magazine is provided in the both the form of aloaded magazine, partially loaded magazine, a blank and/or emptymagazine, wherein the magazine is characterized in that it cannot bereplaced by anyone other than the assigned and/or rightful firearmowner.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. The materials, methods, andexamples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to belimiting.

Implementation of the method and system of the present inventioninvolves performing or completing certain selected tasks or stepsmanually, automatically, or a combination thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is herein described, by way of example only, withreference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now tothe drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are byway of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of thepreferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presentedin order to provide what is believed to be the most useful and readilyunderstood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of theinvention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural detailsof the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamentalunderstanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawingsmaking apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of theinvention may be embodied in practice.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a device and system according toembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a device and system according toembodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 3A-C are various view of an illustrative schematic diagram of adevice according to embodiments of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The principles and operation of the present invention may be betterunderstood with reference to the drawings and the accompanyingdescription. The following figure reference labels are used throughoutthe description to refer to similarly functioning components are usedthroughout the specification hereinbelow.

-   -   10,10 a, 10 b firearm;    -   12 firearm magazine well;    -   50,52 processing and communication device;    -   100 device;    -   101 system;    -   102 magazine housing/device housing;    -   102 a magazine notch;    -   104 actuator/motor;    -   105 fixation element(s);    -   110 circuitry and electronics module;    -   112 power sub-module;    -   114 communications sub-module;    -   116 controller and memory sub-module;    -   118 location sub-module;    -   120 movement sub-module;    -   122 movement module shaft;    -   124 adaptor;    -   126 cam/gear/clutch;    -   130, 130 a, 130 b wireless key/ID device;

FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustrative diagram of system 101 includingdifferent forms of a firearm 10 each featuring device 100 incommunication with a ID device 130 a,130 b, and a processing andcommunication device 50, 52.

In embodiments, system 101 provides for monitoring the location and useof at least one or more firearms 10, 10 a, 10 b. Optionally firearm 10may be provided in any form, for example including but not limited to ahandgun 10 a, and/or an assault rifle 10 b, as shown, or the likehandheld firearms, that features a device 100 in the form of a firearmmagazine 100 that is fit within a magazine well 12 of the respectivefirearm 10, 10 a, 10 b.

In embodiments of system 101 preferably each device 100 is preferably incommunication with at least one processing and communication device 50,52, for example a mobile telephone, smartphone, tablet, or the like.

In embodiments wherein a plurality of firearms 10 may form a system 101(FIG. 2) all devices 100 may be configured to be in communication,direct communication or indirect communication, with a centralprocessing and communication device 50, for example in the form of aserver, a network and/or a computer. For example, a first firearm 10 amay utilize indirect communication by employing a local communicationand processing device 52, for example a smartphone, through whichcommunication with a central processing and communication device 50 isestablished in an indirect manner. For example, a second firearm 10 b,may utilize direct communication with a central processing andcommunication device 50, for example as shown. Accordingly system 101provides for remotely monitoring the location and use of device 100 thatis securely associated with firearm 10 by utilizing device 50.

In embodiments, system 101 provides for monitoring a plurality ofdevices 100 associated with firearms 10 and therefore allows formanaging and/or monitoring an arsenal of firearms that are incommunication with at least one processing and communication device 50.

System 101 may be utilized to actively and remotely monitor an arsenalof firearms that belongs to large security and safety organizations suchas the police force, army or security companies that are responsible formany persons carrying a firearm, therein providing them with amonitoring system providing further monitoring and control of theindividuals forming the armed forces.

While system 101 may further be utilized by public safety sector tocontrol and/or monitor gun control in the public sector where both useand access to firearm is a societal safety issue. For example anyindividual wishing to obtain a firearm license must be able to be incommunication with a remote processing and communication device 50 thatis monitored and/or associated with a public security monitoring agencyso as to provide a form of gun control.

In embodiments device 100 is preferably provided in the form of amagazine that is securely coupled with firearm 10 within the magazinewell 12. Device 100 is characterized in that coupling between device 100and magazine well is established such that device 100 is irreversiblycoupled within magazine well unless the rightful owner of firearm 10having/carrying an electronic identification (ID) key 130 is in directproximity to device 100. Accordingly disassociation of device 100 frommagazine well 12 is only allowed when device ID key 130 is in directproximity to device 100.

Preferably ID key 130 must be within the immediate vicinity and/orproximity of device 100 so as to allow wireless communication foridentification purposes. Preferably wireless communication between IDkey 130 and device 100 is provided by RF communication, IRcommunication, BLUETOOTH, NFC, or the like proximity and/or short rangewireless communication protocols. Optionally the communication rangebetween key 130 and device 100 is limited to a radius of up to about 1meter.

In embodiments each individual device 100 may be associated with aspecific individual ID key 130 that is associated only with the rightfuluser(s) and/or owner of firearm 10. Preferably system 101 allows removalof device 100 from firearm 10 only once key 130 is identified and incommunication with device 100.

In some embodiments the identification process may further includeprocessing and communication device 50 such that positive identificationmay therefore include correct identification between device 100, key 130and further corroborated with at least one processing device 50.

In some embodiments communication between device 100 and processingdevice 50 may involve an auxiliary processing and communication device52, for example as shown in the form of a mobile device and/orsmartphone.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic block diagram of device 100 and system 101 fora firearm monitoring and/or tracking device that both preventsunauthorized use while providing a tracking device for the firearm.

Device 100 is fit within a housing 102 that features a fixation element105, movement module 120, actuator 104 and circuitry and electronicsmodule 110.

In embodiments, housing 102 is provided in the form and shape of afirearm magazine configured to securely fit within a magazine well 12 ofa firearm 10, an example of which is schematically shown in FIG. 3A-C.While FIG. 3A-B depicts firearm 10 in the form of a handgun, and FIG. 3Cshows a firearm in the form of an assault rifle, however, embodiments ofthe present invention is not limited to handguns and/or assault riflesand may be utilized with any form of firearm and in particular a firearmcapable of utilizing a magazine.

In embodiments, device 100 features at least one or more fixationelement 105 provided to secure device 100 within magazine well 12 of afirearm 10. Preferably the position and/or state of fixation element 105may be controlled so as to secure or un-secure housing 102 from afirearm's magazine well 12. Control of fixation element 105 ispreferably provided with movement module 120, actuator 104 andelectronics module 110.

In embodiments, electronics module 110, actuator 104 and movement module120 are preferably disposed along a lower portion of housing 102 andcollectively provide for controlling the position and/or orientation ofat least one or more fixation element 105 utilized to secure device 100within magazine well 12 of firearm 10.

In embodiments fixation element 105 may be provided in optional formsand/or shapes so as to secure device 100 within magazine well 12.

In embodiments fixation element 105 may be provided along any portionand/or segment of housing 102 capable of securely associating withmagazine well 12.

In some embodiments, device 100 may be fit with at least two or morefixation elements 105. For example a first fixation element 105 may beprovided to associate with an upper (distal) portion of the magazinewell 12 in a secure manner so as to disable the ability to remove device100, in the form of a magazine, from firearm 10; a second fixationelement 105 may be coupled with a lower portion of the magazine well 12for example at and/or near the magazine notch and/or magazine releasebutton so as to disable the magazine release button (magazine catchand/or magazine catch spring) while securing device 100 within themagazine well.

Most preferably fixation element 105 forms a moveable and/or positioncontrollable portion of housing 102. Accordingly most preferablyfixation element 105 has at least two configuration a firstconfiguration and/or secured form that allows housing 102 to be securedand/or coupled to the firearm 10 within the magazine well 12. A secondconfiguration, the de-non-secured formation wherein fixation element 105is seamless with housing 102 allowing device 100 to be coupled anddecoupled with firearm 10.

In embodiments the orientation, angulation and/or position of fixationelement 105 is controllable with movement module 120. Preferablymovement module 120 is configured to facilitate switching between thecoupled (first configuration) and a de-coupled (second configurations)positions of fixation element 105.

In embodiments, movement module 120 and/or portion thereof may bedispersed along any one or more surfaces and/or portions of housing 102.

In embodiments movements module 120 may for example be provided in theform for example including but not limited to at least one or more of:gear works 126, springs, cam 126, shafts 122, threading, gear 126,clutch 126, adaptor 124, any combination thereof, or the like mechanicalmovement actuation, translation and/or transformation tools as are knownin the art.

In embodiments, movement module 120 provides for adjusting the positionof fixation element 105, for example by way of rotation. In someembodiments movement module 120 may provide linear motion to adjustand/or change the linear position of fixation element 105.

In embodiments, movement module 120 may comprise an adaptor 124 thatprovides for converting, transforming and/or translating the movement ofactuator 104 to the movement required to change the orientation, angleand/or position of fixation element 105.

In embodiments, movement module 120 provides for translating themovement of actuator 104 to control the position of fixation element105. For example, fixation element 105 is associated with actuator 104via movement module 120 comprising at least one or more optionalsub-members comprising shaft 122, adaptor 124, gear work and cam126,128; wherein fixation element 105 may be disposed along a distal endof shaft 122, that is further associated to an adaptor 124 along aproximal end; and wherein the adaptor 124 is associated with motor 104via optional gear, cam and/or clutch assembly and/or sub-module 126. Insuch a non-limiting and exemplary configuration, an actuator 104, forexample in the form of a rotating motor, by its controlled rotationalmovement causes the selective and controllable motion of gear and camassembly 126,128 that in turn mobilize adaptor 124 and shaft 122associated therewith and finally causing the transition of fixationelement 105 so as to assume the different configuration.

In embodiments, the different positions and/or configuration of fixationelement 105 may be switched with linear, non-linear, rotational or amovement and/or combination thereof is depicted with the actuator 104and movement modules 120 associated therewith.

In embodiments actuator 104 may be realized as a linear actuator, arotational actuator, a motor, a servo motor, a spring, piezoelectricactuator, a piezoelectric linear actuator, the like or any combinationthereof.

In embodiments, actuation and control of actuator 104 is provided withelectronics module 110 and sub-modules therein as described below.

Electronics module 110 preferably provides for rendering device 100operational and comprises a plurality of submodules comprising at leastone or more selected from power sub-module 112, communication sub-module114, ID sub-module 115, controller sub-module 116, and locationsub-module 118, the like or any combination thereof.

Controller sub-module 116 may for example comprise processor and/ormicroprocessor and necessary memory to provide for controllingelectronics module 110 and device 100.

In embodiments, power sub-module 112 may be provided in optional formsfor example including but not limited to battery, rechargeable battery,photovoltaic cell, supercapacitor the like or any combination thereof,capable of providing sufficient power profile and/or energy to device100 and in particular electronics module 110 and/or actuator 104.

Communication sub-module 114 provides device 100 with communicationcapabilities utilizing optional wireless and/or cellular communicationprotocols. Communication module 114 may for example utilize WI-FI, NFC,BLUETOOTH, infrared (IR), optical, radio frequency (RF), ZIGBEE, thelike or any combination thereof so as to allow device 100 to communicatewith at least one or more external and/or auxiliary devices 130, 50, 52.

Most preferably communication module 114 may provide for communicatingand/or data exchange with an associated wireless digital key 130 and/ora communication and processing device 50, 52 forming part of system 101as previously described. Preferably communication with optionalprocessing devices 50,52 allows for active remote monitoring of locationof device 100.

In embodiments Identification (ID) sub-module 115 may comprise anidentification sensor for identifying the rightful owner and/or user ofdevice 100 and its associated firearm 10. For example, an ID sub-module115 may be provided in the form of a fingerprint pad and associatedsoftware, voice recognition hardware and software, retinal scanner,biological identification device, DNA identification, touchpad, keypad,or the like identification hardware and software tools utilized toaccurately identify an individual.

In embodiments, location sub-module 118 may comprise a “GPS” or the likelocation, position and/or tracking circuitry to determine the locationof device 100 so as to allow communication of the device's location toan external remote communication and processing device 50, 52 forexample including but not limited to at least one or more of: a mobilecommunication device, smartphone, computer, server, policingcommunication network, a firearm monitoring center or network, the likeor any combination thereof.

In embodiments, system 101 comprises device 100 as described above alongwith a wireless digital ID/Key 130. In embodiments key 130 may beprovided in the form of a dongle in the form of an RF tag that isconfigured to be in communication with device 100 and in particularelectronics module 110 and sub-modules therein to facilitateidentification of the rightful owner of firearm 10 and to facilitatede-coupling device 100 from magazine well 12 of firearm 10.

In some embodiments, ID key 130 may further comprise a communicationunit capable of sending and receiving wireless data, utilizing optionalcommunication protocols for example including but not limited to Wi-Fi,Bluetooth, NFC, IR, RF, GPS, or cellular networks or the like.

In some embodiments ID key 130 may further provide a human interface soas to allow a user to set conditions for the de-coupling of device 100from magazine well 12 of firearm 10. For example, ID key 130 incommunication with device 100 may be utilized to identify the rightfulowner of a firearm so as to release and/or decouple device 100 from thefirearm allowing only the rightful owner and/or user to use the firearmand/or switch magazines. Preferably, once the ID data key is inproximity to device 100, stored identification data is communicatedbetween device 100 and key 130 using an appropriate communicationprotocol so as to confirm ownership and proximity to device so as toallow use of firearm 10.

In some embodiments key 130 may be programmable, optionally with anauxiliary processing and communication device 50,52, so as to programand control the conditions for positive identification between device100 and key 130.

In embodiments system 101 may further comprise at least one or moreauxiliary communication and processing device 50,52 for example in theform of a computer, server and/or smartphone. Preferably processingdevice 50 provides for communicating with device 100 and in particularwith location sub-module 118 so as to track the location of device 100.For example, if a firearm 10 having device 100 associated within themagazine well 12 is stolen a user may remotely track the location ofdevice 100 via communication and processing device 50.

FIG. 3A-B show device 100 having a housing 102 in the shape of amagazine configured to fit within a magazine well 12 of a handgun 10 a,shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3C similarly shows device 100 having a housing inthe shape of a magazine configured to fit an assault rifle, for examplefirearms 10 b as shown in FIG. 1.

Housing 102 features a magazine notch 102 a provided to couple with andcorresponding to a magazine catch and/or release button (not shown)featured on the firearm's grip.

Housing 102 is shaped so as to fit within the magazine well of afirearm, and features electronics module 110 that is preferably disposedalong a distal portion of housing 102. As previously describedelectronics module 110 provides the necessary electronics and circuitrysubmodules to render device 100 functional. Preferably distal portion ofhousing 102 further comprises an actuator 104 and movement module 120.

Device 100 features at least one fixation element 105 shown here as inthe form of a quadrilateral element 105 that can assume at least twopositions and/or configurations relative to a side wall of housing 102so as to allow switching between the coupled (first configuration)position, FIG. 2B, and a de-coupled (second configurations) position,FIG. 2A, of fixation element 105.

FIG. 3A shows fixation element 105 in the de-coupled position whereinelement 105 is flush with a side wall of housing 102. FIG. 3B depictsthe fixation element 105 in the extended configuration where itprotrudes from a side wall of housing 102 therein providing the coupledconfiguration wherein device 100 is securely coupled within the magazinewell 12 of a firearm 10.

As previously described fixation element 105 is preferably capable ofswitching between the secured configuration and the non-securedconfiguration with the aid of a movement module 120, actuator 104 andelectronics module 110.

In some embodiments at least two or more fixation elements 105 may beutilized to secure device 100 within magazine well 12.

In embodiments the fixation element 105 may be disposed along anyportion of housing 102 so as to affix device 100 within magazine well12.

FIG. 2A-C show device 100 wherein the distal end (bottom) of housing 102features the electronics module 110 and at least a portion of movementmodule 120. In some embodiments actuator 104 may be further disposedwithin the distal end (bottom) portion s of housing 102.

While the invention has been described with respect to a limited numberof embodiment, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensionalrelationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations insize, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assemblyand use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in theart, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in thedrawings and described in the specification are intended to beencompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of theprinciples of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications andchanges will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is notdescribed to limit the invention to the exact construction and operationshown and described and accordingly, all suitable modifications andequivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of theinvention.

It should be noted that where reference numerals appear in the claims,such numerals are included solely or the purpose of improving theintelligibility of the claims and are no way limiting on the scope ofthe claims.

Having described a specific preferred embodiment of the invention withreference to the accompanying drawings, it will be appreciated that thepresent invention is not limited to that precise embodiment and thatvarious changes and modifications can be effected therein by one ofordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope or spirit ofthe invention defined by the appended claims.

Further modifications of the invention will also occur to personsskilled in the art and all such are deemed to fall within the spirit andscope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

While the invention has been described with respect to a limited numberof embodiment, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensionalrelationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations insize, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assemblyand use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in theart, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in thedrawings and described in the specification are intended to beencompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of theprinciples of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications andchanges will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is notdescribed to limit the invention to the exact construction and operationshown and described and accordingly, all suitable modifications andequivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of theinvention.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, forclarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also beprovided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, variousfeatures of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in thecontext of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or inany suitable sub-combination or as suitable in any other describedembodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the contextof various embodiments are not to be considered essential features ofthose embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without thoseelements.

Citation or identification of any reference in this application shallnot be construed as an admission that such reference is available asprior art to the invention.

Section headings are used herein to ease understanding of thespecification and should not be construed as necessarily limiting.

While the invention has been described with respect to a limited numberof embodiments, it will be appreciated that many variations,modifications and other applications of the invention may be made.

1. A firearm securing device compatible with a firearm magazine well,wherein once secured with the magazine well the device cannot bedisassociated from the firearm rendering the firearm non-functional, andwherein the device may be disassociated from said magazine well onlywith user specific identification, the device including: a) a housinghaving the form of a magazine; b) an electronics and circuitry modulefunctionally associated with an actuator and a fixation element, whereinsaid fixation element is configured to securely associate with a portionof said magazine well to affix said device within said magazine well. 2.The device of claim 1 further comprising a movement module configured tobe actuated with said actuator.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein saidmovement module provides for facilitating translating the movement ofsaid actuator to controlled movement of said fixation element.
 4. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein said electronics module includes a locationsub-module for identifying the real time location of said device.
 5. Thedevice of claim 1 having at least two fixation elements.
 6. The deviceof claim 4, wherein said electronics module, said actuator, and saidmovement module are disposed along a lower portion of said housing. 7.The device of claim 4, wherein said electronics module includes anIdentification (ID) sub-module comprising an identification sensor foridentifying the rightful owner and/or user of said device and itsassociated firearm.
 8. The device of claim 7, wherein said ID sub-moduleis provided in at least one form selected from the group consisting of afingerprint pad and associated software, voice recognition hardware andsoftware, a retinal scanner, a biological identification device, a DNAidentification, a touchpad, and a keypad.
 9. A system for securing afirearm magazine well with said device, the system including the deviceof claim 1 and at least one of a identification key or a processing andcommunication device, that are in wireless communication with saidelectronic circuitry module.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein said atleast one identification key or at least one said processing andcommunication device comprises electronic memory and communicationcapabilities for communicating user identification data.
 11. The systemof claim 9, wherein said at least one identification key utilizesproximity wireless communication for communication with said device,wherein said wireless communication is selected from the groupconsisting of RF communication, IR communication, BLUETOOTH, NFC, andany combination thereof.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein theviability of a communication range between said at least oneidentification key and said device is limited to a predetermined radius.13. The system of claim 1Z wherein said predetermined radius is up to 1meter.
 14. The system of claim 10, wherein said identification comprisesbiometric identification.
 15. The system of claim 10, wherein said atleast one processing and communication device is capable of mapping andidentifying the real time location of said device.
 16. The system ofclaim 15, wherein said system provides for monitoring and managing aplurality of firearms forming an arsenal thereof, wherein each firearmof said plurality of firearms is in communication with said at least oneprocessing and communication device.
 17. The system of claim 16, whereinsaid at least one processing and communication device is incommunication with a public security monitoring agency in order toobtain and/or verify a valid firearm license.
 18. The system of claim17, wherein said identification is corroborated between said device,said key and said at least one processing device.